Investigating distribution of ecosystem services in rangeland landscapes: an approach based on weighted key functional traits

It is important to understand the distribution of multiple ecosystem services and their underlying basic ecological sources. In this study, a novel trait-based approach was developed to address different natural landscapes potential to supply multiple ecosystem services in three rangeland landscapes (highland, hillside and plain rangelands). First, key related functional traits and their weights for measuring each ecosystem service were determined using multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). Potential of each landscape to supply each ecosystem service was determined through abundance and functional values of species in providing that service. Results showed that highland rangelands had the highest potential for forage production, medical source, fuel, carbon stock, wind erosion control and water regulation. The highest potential for pollination, honey and aesthetic belonged to hillside sites. Arid plain site provided the least ecosystem services in the study region. There were significant relationships between species diversity and ecosystem services forage, medical sources and aesthetic. Richness did not represent potential of arid and semi-arid rangeland landscapes to supply multiple ecosystem services. Climate was the main factor in driving multiple ecosystem services across landscape gradient. Pearson's correlation revealed a synergy between pollination, honey and aesthetic and they tradeoff with water regulation, carbon stock, medical source, wind erosion control. Soil fertility as a supporting service was correlated with other ecosystem services. Our approach provides useful information to identify ecosystem potential in supplying multiple ecosystem services and to assist ecological interventions for supporting multiple ecosystem services in different rangeland landscapes.